Viva Espana

This time last week I was on holiday in sunny Spain with my girlies. I was lucky enough to win free accommodation near Marbella (I know right? Nothing like that EVER happens to me! I have never even won bath bubbles in a charity raffle lol). It was so lovely to get away from the gloom and doom of rainy London and all the worries of work. Though I still had my trusty revision for my upcoming exams with me by the pool, I only managed to get through two chapters. Most of our time was spent eating.. umm.. drinking, enjoying Marbella, Granada, Malaga and Cordoba, as well as lazing on the beach.. oh and did I mention eating? ;)

As we rented a car we had a lot of freedom to explore, and one of the first places we were keen to visit was the Alhambra in Granada.

 

I studied Spanish at school and had visited the Alhambra before while on an exchange, but the gardens were so much more beautiful than I remembered!

Suffering through some sunburn after an 11am to 6.30pm stint on the beach and an 'eventful' pedallo ride we somehow still made it out on the town for a lovely meal of mussels, paella, sangria, cocktails and even salsa dancing!

 On our last day we visited the Mesquita in Cordoba.

I had such a lovely and relaxing time in Spain and really can't wait to go back. I absolutely love the culture, the food and the language and this trip has really inspired me to polish up my Spanish. This weekend I will definitely be ordering some Spanish movies to watch!

Of course no vacation post from me would be complete without an akward jumping shot lol!

Have a good weekend my lovelies! Besos xxx

Work It Out: Installment Vingt-Trois

In one of my earlier posts I featured a navy Juicy Couture cardigan and was surprised by how many of you lovelies commented on it. Since Juicy Couture isn't a huge brand in the UK, and isn't very easily accessible, I think a lot of people are not aware of their extensive clothes range, other than the infamous 'velour' tracksuits ;). I therefore wanted to show you some formal pieces I have from Juicy.

Suit: Juicy Couture. Shirt: Gap. My public transport ballet flats ;): Faith.

I purchased this suit a very long time ago when I was visiting New York. I think I was about 18-19, so I wanted something smart to wear for internships, but still age appropriate and fun. 

The shape of the jacket is classic and flattering, while the shorter pleated skirt adds a younger twist. I still absolutely love this suit, though I do sometimes feel like a schoolgirl in uniform while wearing it. I probably only have a few years left to wear it.. and get away with it (especially as my Birthday is approaching very soon.. the 28th!!).

P.S. - I wish my school uniform looked like this.. we had loooooong, thick, navy wool skirts, pinstripe shirts and v neck jumpers - more Hoggwarts than Cruel Intentions ;).

What do you guys think of this modern take on a classic suit? Cute or preppy uniform? Are you surprised that Juicy make suits?
xxx

Hola Guapas

Well, as you can probably tell from my recent flurry of posts I am back from Holidays, so look out for some sunny snappy snaps coming your way soon ;) xxx

Autumn Makeup tutorial.

I was recently inspired by the beautiful new Gucci Guilty advert to create this gorgeous autumn look.

As you all know I am as pale as they come, so I tried to bronze myself up a little in this tutorial to accommodate all my lovely tanned readers. Of course this makeup is versatile and looks great on lighter skins too!

 I think if I had Chris Evans in this photo with me it would better, don't you? ;) Yummm.

Products used in this video:
．Benefit Creaseless Cream Shadow/Liner - # Birthday Suit http://uk.strawberrynet.com/makeup/be...

．Benefit Creaseless Cream Shadow/Liner - # Carte Blanche http://uk.strawberrynet.com/makeup/be...

．Lancome Hypnose - No. 01 Noir Hypnose http://uk.strawberrynet.com/makeup/la...

．Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay In Place Makeup SPF 10 - No. 03 Outdoor Beige http://uk.strawberrynet.com/makeup/es...

．Yves Saint Laurent Soleil D'Afrique Collector Powder For The Complexion http://uk.strawberrynet.com/makeup/yv...

．Bourjois Lovely Brille Lipshine - # 07 Rose Pareo http://uk.strawberrynet.com/makeup/bo...

  I really enjoyed doing this look so I hope you get a chance to try it out! :) xxx 

Permanent hair removal with the E-One: Chapter 2

A few months ago I posted some information and my first impressions of the E-One permanent at home IPL hair removal system. Now, two sessions later, I just wanted to share my experiences and my thoughts on this system with you all.

I am very lucky to have been given the opportunity of keeping the system at home for a few months and thoroughly testing it out on myself (and even on my flatmate's leg to see her thoughts). Though at present it is a little too early to tell if the results have been significant, or indeed permanent, on close inspection the hair on my legs has already started becoming patchy. There seem to be fewer hairs resurfacing altogether, though not dramatically so. This is more than I can say for the laser salon treatment I have been receiving on my underarms, as after 4 sessions I have thus far seen very little change. I much prefer having the freedom of using the E-One in my own living room, than having to schedule appointments at a salon, and though it is a little laborious, since us ladies can multi-task I usually sit down and catch up on a few YouTube videos or watch a (green tinted by the safety specs) movie while zapping ;).

The system itself is simple and intuitive to use, and though time consuming I have found the whole process pretty painless. As my skin is very sensitive I often experience a rash after shaving or waxing, which as some of you know can look much worse than the hair does! Of course I was apprehensive at first as the flashes are quite bright, but besides a quick burst of heat there was no pain or irritation afterwards, which I was very surprised by. Trust me, I am the biggest wimp when it comes to pain, and even on the highest setting I felt nothing more than intense heat, which faded in 2 seconds. Much less painful than waxing, or even epillating. Though when I zapped the bf's arm he wasn't quite as tolerant hehe ;).

If you are interested in finding out more on my views on IPL hair removal and my experience (so far), as well as a short demonstration of how I use the machine, please check out the video below. I was doubting whether to put this up, as I look horrendous. This was filmed during my lunch hour so I ran straight from work through the rain (just my luck!) to the E-One offices and am looking more than a little frazzled.. apologies, but I thought this could be helpful for you guys :).



If you're looking to try the E-One system before you buy you can now do so at the newly opened London showroom. You can click here to make an appointment or call 0203 036 0800. This video was filmed in their showroom at Sutherland House, 3 Lloyd's Avenue, London EC3N 3DS. With prices starting at £1,250, I would definitely recommend popping in and testing it out if you are able to do so. Having met a few of the team I have found them very helpful with any of my queries and concerns.

Have you tried IPL? Would you consider investing in an at-home system or would you prefer to go to a salon? Personally, I was dubious at how effective this system would be at first, but having tried (and paid good money) for a salon treatment that has so far failed to deliver, I am starting to see more of the benefits of a good at home system. Though it is expensive, if the results are indeed visible and permanent, I think it is worth it. I shall keep you updated with my progress. Hopefully after six sessions (at 6 weeks apart) I shall be hair free... fingers crossed!xxx